A coffee with Dr. Paroo Mistry

My name is Paroo Mistry. I am a consultant orthodontist. I divide my time between Chase Farm Hospital and my private Practice in North London.

What do you love most about orthodontics?

I feel extremely privileged to be in a position where I can make such a positive difference to peoples lives. A lot of patients want their teeth straightened just because they think it would be a nice thing to do. However, I have a handful of adult patients who have spent their entire life self conscious about their teeth. I feel really lucky to be able to help them and totally transform their confidence and self-esteem.

How would you describe your approach to working with new adult patients?

I spend a lot of time trying to understand what the patient wants from the treatment. Adults can often have very different concerns and motivations. I have to be very clear about what the patient wants in order to ensure they are happy when the braces are removed.

What did you learn about orthodontics from treating a family member or close friend?

I was able to fully appreciate how different brace systems can impact on a patient’s day to day life. I now take the time to get to know my patients so that I can help them choose a brace that will suit their lifestyle.

What makes a great patient?

A great patient is someone who really really wants their teeth straightened. That want and desire is a great motivator to maintain excellent oral health during their treatment.

If you were to undergo orthodontic treatment, what type of brace would you choose and why?

Probably the ceramic fixed braces. It is hardly noticeable, it is quick and cheaper than other options. I can also talk as much as I want without getting a sore tongue!

What one thing can patients do to better support their orthodontist?

Be very clear about your expectations from the start, attend regularly and keep your mouth beautifully clean (and don’t have your brace full of your lunch when you come to your appointment!)

What do patients most enjoy about visiting your practice?

Seeing their friends! I genuinely look forward to catching up with my patients every time they come in for a brace adjustment. There is always a lot of laughter and a lot of banter.

If you weren’t an orthodontist, what would you be?

I can’t think of anything else – I just love what I do!

What would be your recommended first meal for patients who have just had their braces fitted?

You can usually eat a decent meal. You just need to avoid anything too hard or too chewy. If your teeth are feeling achy then take a painkiller and have something soft like scrambled eggs or mashed potato.

Are badly stained elastics an orthodontic emergency?

No. Not unless you are getting married the next day! I am a pushover though- I have been known to replace the elastics for my patients if they have accidently eaten something yellow!

Broken wires or detached brackets are most often caused by..?

Eating the wrong food! Biting into apples/raw carrots can break brackets. As can eating hard nuts and bread. Also biting chocolate that has been in the fridge. Nail biting is also a culprit.

What is your favourite module / ligature colour / colour combination?

Red and green at Christmas

What advice would you give someone thinking about getting braces?

Don’t put it off any longer. If you had done it when you had first thought about it then your teeth would be straight by now! And see a specialist, in many cases it really is a difference between 3-5 years training versus 3-5 days training.